Attorney and civil rights leader Vel Phillips, the state’s first woman and African-American elected Wisconsin Secretary of State, is the subject of a newly released documentary film that chronicles her life, career, and activism.

Jan. 7, 2015 – When the PINNACLE editors began work on Sexual Orientation and the Law, same-sex marriage was illegal in Wisconsin, and seemed likely to remain that way for years, as the issue worked toward final resolution by the U.S. Supreme Court. That has changed, suddenly and dramatically, and gay couples can now marry the same as anyone else.

The New York Times reported yesterday that John Doar, “a country lawyer from northern Wisconsin who led the federal government’s on-the-ground efforts to dismantle segregation in the South,” has died at the age of 92 from heart failure.

Nov. 5, 2014 – Same-sex marriage is now the reality in Wisconsin. But lawyers and same-sex couples will still encounter many legal questions that are still unanswered. In this article, attorney Christopher Krimmer raises various legal issues and offers some solutions.

A three-judge panel for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit has indicated that it will probably uphold Wisconsin’s voter ID law, which requires voters to show photo ID at the polls, while removing a block on implementation.

A three-judge panel for the U. S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit has ruled same-sex marriage bans in Wisconsin and Indiana are unconstitutional. Wisconsin’s same-sex marriage ban was instituted as a constitutional amendment in 2006.

Aug. 20, 2014 – The fate of Wisconsin’s same-sex marriage ban is now in the hands of the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals, which will hear oral arguments next week. In this article, attorney Christopher Krimmer explains how the arguments may shake out.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court has unanimously ruled that a Wisconsin's same-sex domestic partnership law does not violate the state’s constitutional ban on same-sex marriage, a ruling that comes amidst litigation challenging same-sex marriage bans in severa l states, including Wisconsin.

In two separate cases challenging a law that requires photo identification to vote, a Wisconsin Supreme Court majority has ruled that the law does not unconstitutionally burden voters and is a reasonable regulation on elections.

The State Bar of Wisconsin National Mock Trial planning team is calling on attorneys, judges and experienced teachers and coaches from around the state to step up to the bench and volunteer to serve on a judging panel during the 2014 National High School Mock Trial Championship on May 9 and 10 in Madison.

March 19, 2014 – A proposed bill allows jails to strip search arrested persons who will be jailed in general population for more than 12 hours. The bill is grounded under a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision, but the State Public Defender has voiced its concern.

Rhinelander High School captured its 17th high school mock trial state title yesterday after defeating Shorewood High School in a very close final round judged by six members of the Wisconsin Supreme Court. The team will now advance to the National High School Mock Trial Tournament, May 8-10 in Madison.

Following Rock-Koshkonong Lake District v. Wisconsin DNR, the bedrock principles of the public trust doctrine in Wisconsin – the civil right of the public to use and enjoy navigable waters, and the broad rule of standing to protect that right – remain firmly intact.

A Sheboygan doctor who says a child psychiatrist caused unlawful Medicaid reimbursements through off-label prescriptions can press on with his whistleblower suit under the federal False Claims Act, a federal appeals court has ruled.

Aug. 21, 2013 – On its face, a recent U.S. Supreme Court case only affects gay and lesbian couples in states that recognize same-sex marriage. But as Madison attorney Christopher Krimmer explains, the case also impacts couples in states that don’t, including Wisconsin.

Aug. 7, 2013 – The federal government has issued new guidelines to ensure that student-athletes with disabilities have equal opportunities to participate in sports. In this article, attorney Mary Gerbig explains what this means for school districts and athletic programs.

Assembly Bill 40 – more commonly referred to as the “budget bill” – passed through both legislative houses last week with only a few technical changes to the governor’s original proposal. Now the bill heads to Gov. Walker, so he can sign the bill into law.

Soon after passing concealed-carry legislation, the Wisconsin Legislature enacted two other laws to clarify state residents’ right to use weapons in self-defense and land possessors’ responsibility to trespassers. Although the castle doctrine law and the castle doctrine law and the trespasser liability act became effective Dec. 21, 2011, questions remain as to their provisions.

May 17, 2013 – Renowned civil rights attorney Morris Dees reminds lawyers they hold the key to the gates of justice, and everyone deserves a seat at the table. Dees spoke yesterday to attendees at the State Bar of Wisconsin PINNACLE® Litigation, Dispute Resolution, and Appellate Practice Institute, which concludes today.

May 1, 2013 – The U.S. Supreme Court recently affirmed a decision requiring a search warrant before breath or blood evidence could be obtained in a drunk-driving case. Criminal lawyer Marcus Berghahn explains how the decision may impact prosecutions in Wisconsin.

April 3, 2013 – “Fifty years ago, a prisoner in a Florida jail received news that his case had changed the world for criminal defendants,” says Bill Bay, chair of the ABA’s Litigation Section. In this video, distinguished panelists discuss the importance of this landmark decision and whether today’s justice system is delivering on its promise.

Jan. 2, 2013 – In 2009, Wisconsin passed a domestic partnership law granting certain rights to same-sex couples who live together. A lawsuit challenged the law as unconstitutional. Recently, a state appeals court upheld the law in a case likely headed for the Wisconsin Supreme Court.

Nov. 21, 2012 – Wisconsin may soon propose a law allowing police to take DNA samples from suspects at arrest. The U.S. Supreme Court may soon decide whether such laws are constitutional. This article explores the issue of DNA at Arrest laws, with insight from a criminal lawyer.

Oct. 3, 2012 – Forty years ago, Congress passed Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. Title IX's impact has been felt most prominently in the sports world. In this article, MU law professor Paul Anderson explains the unresolved legal issues related to Title IX.

Sept. 5, 2012 – New Equal Employment Opportunity Commission regulations may complicate an employer's ability to protect against age discrimination claims. In this article, Geoffrey S. Trotier explains how lawyers can and should advise their employer clients to address the new rules.

Aug. 15, 2012 – The report that Wade Michael Page, the deadly shooter in Oak Creek, had previously recorded white supremacist music lyrics raises the legal question of whether law enforcement officers can take preventive action against such persons before they act, based solely on words and other expressions showing intent to harm others.

July 6, 2012 – The Wisconsin Supreme Court has voted to accept ten new cases, including a case involving two parents convicted of reckless homicide after using prayer to treat their 11-year-old daughter's diabetic condition over a two-day period in March 2008.

Marriages and marriage-like relationships between same-sex individuals are becoming more common, but the widespread lack of legal sanction for same-sex marriage means that gay and lesbian individuals must act cautiously when separating their relationship bonds.

June 11, 2012 – A circuit court's decision to allow for the search of a defendant's person, vehicle, or residence for firearms, at any time and without probable cause or suspicion, was upheld by the Wisconsin Supreme Court in State v. Tally Ann Rowan, 2012 WI 60.

June 6, 2012 – President Barack Obama recently awarded the Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the U.S., to State Bar of Wisconsin member and New Richmond native John Doar for his work as a civil rights lawyer in the 1960s.

June 6, 2012 – On April 25, the EEOC issued new enforcement guidance regarding use of criminal background checks and arrest/conviction disclosures in employment decisions. This guidance provides in-depth analysis of the disparate impact of arrest and conviction records on racial and ethnic minorities. Milwaukee attorney Geoff Trotier offers recommendations to employers on how to comply with this new information.

May 16, 2012 – Treating a child with prayer in lieu of medical care is protected under certain circumstances. The Wisconsin Supreme Court may soon decide whether the parents of a child who died when they used prayer instead of medical treatment are guilty of reckless homicide.

May

01

2012

A recent U.S. Supreme Court opinion sets a low threshold for strip-searches under the U.S. Constitution and reinforces what all mothers teach.